Low cost attitude sensors for spacecraftA review is presented of two-low cost attitude sensors developed with existing technology, but with emphasis directed to reducing the unit costs without compromising reliability or quality. The solar aspect sensor was developed to determine the angle of the sun with respect to the optical axis of the Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) Experiment Package. Using sensor readings updated every five milliseconds, signal processing electronics determine the location of the center of the sun's image on the array. An earth horizon sensor was developed to measure the nadir angle with respect to the optical axis of the SSBUV Experiment Package to an accuracy of + or - 0.5 deg. Operation of each of the sensors is described along with flight results obtained when flown onboard Atlantis as part of the SSBUV Experiment Package.
Document ID
19910042791
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Auer, S. (Applied Research Corp. Landover, MD, United States)
Von Bun, F. O. (Applied Research Corp. Landover, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual AIAA/Utah State University Conference on Small Satellites